YouTube Shorts Guidelines & Recommendations

YouTube Shorts is a short-form video feature created by YouTube that allows users to create and share videos up to 60 seconds in length. This feature was developed to compete with other short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and it has quickly become a popular way for content creators to reach new audiences and engage with their followers in a different way.

One of the key advantages of YouTube Shorts is the platform’s massive reach. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, and Shorts allows creators to tap into this audience and expand their reach even further. Additionally, because Shorts are integrated into the main YouTube app, creators don’t need to build a separate following like they would on other short-form video platforms.

Best Practices

1. Keep it short and sweet: As the name suggests, YouTube Shorts are short-form videos, so it’s important to keep your content brief and to the point. Stick to one or two key ideas and make sure that your video is engaging from start to finish.
2. Hook your audience early: With so many videos vying for attention on the platform, it’s important to hook your audience early on. Use an attention-grabbing intro, a provocative title, or an intriguing thumbnail to capture viewers’ attention and keep them watching.
3. Leverage popular trends: Like other short-form video platforms, YouTube Shorts is all about staying on top of the latest trends and creating content that resonates with your audience. Take advantage of popular challenges, memes, and hashtags to reach new viewers and keep your content fresh.
4. Be creative with visuals and sound: Because Shorts are limited to 60 seconds, it’s important to make every second count. Use creative visuals and sound effects to make your videos stand out from the crowd and keep viewers engaged.
5. Promote your Shorts on other platforms: To get the most out of your Shorts, be sure to promote them on other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. This can help you reach new audiences and drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.

YouTube Shorts vs. TikTok

Both YouTube Shorts and TikTok offer a unique way for content creators to share short-form video content with their audiences. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to each platform that creators should consider when deciding which one to use.

Advantages of YouTube Shorts:

1. Massive reach: With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, and Shorts allows creators to tap into this audience and expand their reach even further.
2. Built-in audience: Unlike TikTok, creators on YouTube Shorts don’t need to build a separate following as the Shorts feature is integrated into the main YouTube app, meaning that existing subscribers can easily see and engage with Shorts content.
3. Monetization opportunities: YouTube has a well-established monetization system that allows creators to earn money from their content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Disadvantages of YouTube Shorts:

1. Late to the game: YouTube Shorts was launched in 2020, years after TikTok had already established itself as a dominant player in the short-form video market. This means that creators may find it harder to grow their audience and gain traction on Shorts compared to TikTok.
2. Algorithmic issues: YouTube’s algorithm for Shorts is still being developed and improved, which can lead to inconsistent views and engagement for creators.
3. Limited editing features: Currently, the editing tools available on YouTube Shorts are somewhat limited compared to TikTok, which could be a disadvantage for creators who prefer to edit their content in-app.

Both YouTube Shorts and TikTok offer unique advantages and disadvantages for content creators, and the best platform for a creator will depend on their goals and priorities. YouTube Shorts may be preferable for those seeking to leverage an existing YouTube audience. In contrast, authors without an existing YouTube platform may find TikTok or Instagram Reels more appealing if they are looking to tap into a trend-setting culture with advanced editing features.

YouTube Shorts Resources

1. YouTube Creator Insider – Shorts playlist: This is a playlist on the YouTube Creator Insider channel that includes videos with tips and best practices for creating Shorts content. https://www.youtube.com/@creatorinsider/shorts
2. YouTube Shorts Help Center: This is YouTube’s official help center for Shorts, where you can find answers to frequently asked questions and learn how to create and upload Shorts content. https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10059070?hl=en
3. YouTube Shorts Fund: This page provides information on the YouTube Shorts Fund, which is a program that rewards creators for creating popular Shorts content. https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/introducing-youtube-shorts-fund/
4. YouTube Shorts Creator Academy: This is a comprehensive guide on creating Shorts content, with tips on shooting, editing, and uploading your videos. https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/resources/lessons/youtube-creator-academy-improve-your-youtube-skills/
5. YouTube Shorts Community Forum: This is a forum where creators can connect and share tips and advice on creating Shorts content. https://support.google.com/youtube/community?hl=en&gpf=%23!forum/youtube-shorts
6. YouTube Shorts Creator Insider video on How to Use YouTube Shorts Analytics: This video explains how to use YouTube Analytics to track the performance of your Shorts videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N43y-I6rVNU
7. This video covers some tips and best practices for creating Shorts content. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uRqW4Mh1z4